
Are Crepe Myrtles Poisonous?
Gardeners love crepe myrtles for their vibrant blooms and hardy nature. We also guided you on the maintenance of crepe myrtles for a long time. But some of our followers assumed their pets get sick from poisonous crepe myrtles. So, are crepe myrtle poisonous? As with many plants, questions about their safety, particularly regarding their potential toxicity, often arise.
We don’t want any of our fellow garden lovers to lose their sweet puppies or kittens, which could be the last memory of their beloved ones like John Wick’s very first dog! So, we will provide you with all the information about poisonous crepe myrtles, from their myths to their identification methods, in this blog. We hope you will get all the answers.
Why Do People Think Crepe Myrtles Are Poisonous?
The belief that crepe myrtles might be poisonous stems from a general wariness that many ornamental plants can be toxic. This caution is not unfounded; numerous beautiful plants, such as oleander, foxglove, and rhododendrons, contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to ingest or touch. As crepe myrtle falls under the creeper leaves, it is normal that people would assume them as wild poisonous flowers.
Moreover, the panic has been spread even more 3 years ago when someone shared the story of their dog becoming sick on Reddit after ingesting grass and bushes. The dog started ignoring the owner, which is a symptom of dying soon. But later, they found out their dog had a “heart murmur” problem. This kind of disease influences dogs to eat leaves with dust and get sick.
Given this context, some might assume that showy flowers like crepe myrtle could also pose a risk!
Are Crepe Myrtles Poisonous?
The short answer is no; crepe myrtles are not poisonous. Extensive research and evidence from reputable sources, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), indicate that crepe myrtles are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Unlike some other ornamental plants, crepe myrtles do not contain harmful compounds that can cause poisoning.
This information is reassuring for gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners who want to enjoy the beauty of crepe myrtles without worrying about potential health risks. But wait! Crepe myrtles might not be toxic, but it is always a good practice to supervise children and pets around any plants to prevent accidental ingestion of leaves, flowers, or seeds. Swallowing such ingredients could cause minor digestive discomfort or diarrhea.
Are Crepe Myrtles Poisonous to Dogs?
As mentioned earlier, crepe myrtles are non-toxic to dogs. This means that if your dog happens to chew on the leaves, bark, or flowers of a crepe myrtle, it is unlikely to experience any serious health issues. The ASPCA specifically lists crepe myrtles in non-toxic zones as safe for dogs. Therefore, no more concerns should be there from pet owners with these plants in their gardens or yards.
It is essential to recognize that any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. These symptoms are generally mild and resolve on their own, but if they persist or if your dog shows signs of more severe distress, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
Are Crepe Myrtle Flowers Poisonous to Dogs?
The flowers of the crepe myrtle are particularly attractive with their bright colors and crinkled petals. Fortunately, crepe myrtle flowers are not poisonous to dogs like the rest of the plant. Dogs that might be tempted to chew on or eat the flowers will not be at risk of poisoning.
Again, the primary concern would be the possibility of mild stomach upset if a dog consumes a significant amount of the flowers. As with any plant, moderation and supervision are mandatory. Ensuring that your pets are not addicted to any non-food items can prevent minor health issues and keep them safe.
How to Identify Safe Crepe Martyles?
Crepe myrtles themselves are not poisonous; many plants pose a risk to humans and animals in disguise of crepe myrtles. Knowing how to identify potentially toxic plants can be crucial for ensuring the safety of your household. We listed a few tips to help you distinguish between safe and poisonous plants:
Step 1: Research and Identify
Before introducing any new plant to your garden, research its properties and potential toxicity. Trusted sources such as the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants can provide valuable information. Also, contact us or any other garden experts to share your thoughts on new plants.
Step 2: Observe Plant Characteristics
Many toxic plants have distinctive features. For example, plants like oleander and foxglove have specific leaf shapes, flower arrangements, and colors that can help you identify them. Davey shared a guide on how to identify crepe myrtles in one of their old blogs.
Step 3: Consult Experts
Are you unsure about a plant’s safety? Consult a local horticulturist, veterinarian, or your local poison control center. These experts can provide reliable advice and help you identify plants in your garden. There are groups on social media with garden experts and lovers.
Step 4: Use Plant Identification Apps
There are several plant identification mobile apps available that can help you identify plants, providing information about their safety and care. The apps use the camera to take photos of your plants and match them with the database.
Step 5: Create a Safe Garden Space
If you have children or pets, consider creating a designated area with non-toxic plants. This can give you peace of mind and provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Plus, teach your pets not to eat any random leaves and flowers.
What to Do with Poisonous Crape Myrtle Look Alike?
The term ‘poisonous crepe myrtle’ is a misnomer. Instead, it is important to understand how to handle and manage genuinely toxic plants if they are present in your garden. There are 5 steps to take if you suspect a plant in your garden is poisonous:
- Remove the Plant: If a plant is confirmed to be toxic, it is best to remove it from areas where children and pets play. Carefully dig out the plant and ensure that all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
- Wear Protective Gear: When handling potentially toxic plants, wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to prevent skin contact and accidental ingestion.
- Dispose of Safely: Place the removed plant material in a sealed bag and dispose of it according to local guidelines. Do not compost toxic plants, as this can spread the toxic compounds into nutritional foods.
- Educate Your Household: Inform your family members about the dangers of toxic plants and the importance of not touching or ingesting unknown plants.
- Replace with Safe Alternatives: After removing toxic plants, consider replacing them with non-toxic alternatives like crepe myrtles. This way, you to maintain a beautiful garden without compromising safety.
You know that misinformation and myths often spread quickly with the advent of the internet. If you ever find any crepe myrtle or similar plants causing harm to pet animals, immediately consult experts and take necessary precautions. There could be some virus or parasites hidden under the body of crepe myrtles milk ‘trojan horse.’ So save the plants even before the infections.
Final Thoughts
Do you know how many people have gardens throughout the country? Raleigh Realty Home’s gardening statistics showed that 80% of American households contributed to gardening in 2022. I can guarantee you that the majority of them have crepe myrtles planted in their lawn or nearby house areas.
So, concerns about their potential toxicity are at high stakes. Now, with all that research and myth-busting, we can mark crepe myrtles safe and beautiful addition to any garden. If you have any questions, feel free to send your message.
FAQs
Are crepe myrtles poisonous to humans?
No. Humans cannot get poisoned by crepe myrtles. Containing zero poison is one of the main reasons crepe myrtle got so popular. Old gardeners shared that they used to eat the crepe myrtles berries in their meals often in their childhood.
Why do dogs and cats eat crepe myrtles?
Dogs and cats eat crepe myrtles to resolve their gas problems. When they think they have a bad stomach, they try to chew and swallow crepe myrtle leaves as their natural instinct. The owners think their pets have been poisoned after getting sick by eating a lot of dusty leaves.
Who eats crepe myrtles as the main food?
Japanese beetles eat crepe myrtles a lot as their primary food. It relies on the leaves and flowers to live on. Sometimes, you will see the leaves have only the skeleton. It means the beetles ate the rest of the green parts of the leaves.